Looking for a MechanicDesk alternative?
If you use MechanicDesk and are weighing up a change, this page sets out what PitlaneHQ does differently, what it does not do yet, and how a move works. Statements about MechanicDesk come from its own website, with the date we read it.
Correct as of 8 November 2026. MechanicDesk details on this page come from MechanicDesk's public website on that date. Check current details with MechanicDesk.
PitlaneHQ prices
| Plan detail | PitlaneHQ | MechanicDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Starter $109/mo inc GST, up to 5 users | Not verified |
| Other plans | Growth $149 (10 users), Pro $199 (20 users), inc GST | Not verified |
| Extra users | $10/mo each over 20 (Pro) | Not verified |
| SMS | Bought in credit packs; Complete plans include a monthly allowance | Not verified |
| Free trial | 14 days, no card | Not verified |
PitlaneHQ prices include GST. Compare the users and modules each plan includes, not just the headline price. You pay more for extras such as more users, add-on modules, rego lookups (charged per lookup), SMS credits, extra SMS numbers and extra file storage. See PitlaneHQ pricing.
Why workshops look at PitlaneHQ
- One job card from quote to invoice. Approved quote lines carry into the job and the invoice.
- Priced by team size, with modules you can turn on and off. Every plan includes the workshop core: diary, jobs, invoices, quotes, bookings, stock, purchase orders, customers and vehicles, service reminders and rego lookup (billed per lookup).
- Data stored in Australia. Microsoft Azure, Australia East (Sydney), with an encrypted backup copy offshore. Where your data lives
- Monthly billing, no lock-in. Cancel from Settings and keep access to the end of the billing period.
- Support from Australia. Email and phone, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm AEST.
- Free data import from MechanicDesk or any other system.
Accounting and parts
PitlaneHQ pushes eligible finalised invoices to Xero or QuickBooks Online, and shows Burson EzyParts prices and availability on the job where enabled. MYOB is not yet available in PitlaneHQ.
Multi-site
PitlaneHQ runs all sites in one system with the Multi-Site add-on: per-site stock and settings, a shared customer record, and group reports with the Analytics add-on. Multi-site
MechanicDesk's multi-site page says Each workshop may require a separately purchased MechanicDesk account
.Correct as of 08/11/2026. Source: mechanicdesk.com.au/feature-multisite.html
Moving from MechanicDesk
- Start a 14-day trial or book a demo.
- Data import is free. From MechanicDesk it brings across customers, vehicles, jobs, invoices and stock.
- Keep MechanicDesk running while you check your data in PitlaneHQ.
- Pick a quieter day to cut over, and enter future bookings in PitlaneHQ first.
- Keep read access to MechanicDesk until old invoices are paid, then cancel.
Who should stay with MechanicDesk
PitlaneHQ may not suit you yet if you need:
- MYOB (not yet available in PitlaneHQ).
- A native iOS or Android app (PitlaneHQ runs in the browser; native apps are on the roadmap).
PitlaneHQ may also not suit you if a long track record matters most to you.
See it with your own jobs
FAQ
- Can I bring my MechanicDesk history across?
- Yes, at no charge: customers, vehicles, jobs, invoices and stock.
- Do I have to stop using MechanicDesk straight away?
- No. Keep it running until you have checked your data and picked a cut-over day.
- Does PitlaneHQ work with Xero?
- Yes. Eligible finalised invoices push to Xero or QuickBooks Online.
See also PitlaneHQ vs MechanicDesk and all comparisons.